Picture captured during her performance at the LMNT POETRY SERIES: A Poetry Night for the Voiceless
Amya Ferguson’s journey as a poet beautifully intertwines faith, culture, and self-discovery, crafting a narrative that speaks to the complexities of Black womanhood. Raised in a Christian household where spiritual devotion and academic achievement were highly valued, Ferguson developed a foundation of discipline, ambition, and a deep connection to her faith. These early influences have shaped not only her worldview but also the themes she explores in her poetry—ranging from the pressures of societal expectations to the resilience of Black women.
What makes Ferguson's poetry especially powerful is her ability to articulate the internal struggles of Black women while celebrating their strength and perseverance. She confronts the weight of societal demands, yet her work transcends despair, offering solidarity and encouragement to those who share these experiences. The line "Smile, black girl, praise God, black girl" captures both the expectations placed on Black women and Ferguson’s message that it's okay to seek help beyond faith alone. She advocates for a holistic approach to self-care, emphasizing the importance of therapy, support systems, and open discussions about mental health.
Q&A with Amya Ferguson
Q: Can you share details about your childhood, including your upbringing and educational background?
A: I was raised in a Christian household, where I learned early on that faith and prayer are the cornerstones of a fulfilling life. Education held great significance for my family, and I was encouraged to fully embrace my learning opportunities. Surrounded by art and science, I was recognized as a gifted child, and my family supported my talents. I participated in various gifted and fine arts programs. This year, I proudly graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Public and Community Health, focusing on environmental sciences and management.
Q: In what ways did your upbringing and early environment mold your identity and aspirations?
A: Having faith in both God and myself was ingrained in me from an early age, shaping my upbringing to be ambitious and determined. I was surrounded by women who had a strong appreciation for culture and the arts. Themes of Black music, fashion, culture, and film were prevalent in my life, and I observed the people around me—especially my parents and my uncle—embracing these elements and inspiring me to do the same. This experience has cultivated my identity as a culturally aware and artistic individual.
Q: How did your family’s dynamics and values shape your approach to self-expression and creativity?
A: My family deeply values authenticity, individuality, and ambition. I was always encouraged to be different and stand out from the crowd. However, similar to many Black families, discussing our innermost feelings and expressing themes of hurt, sadness, or trauma is something we often neglect. This tendency tends to cause more harm than good. Growing up, I mirrored this behavior, suppressing my emotions instead of addressing my pain. Writing became my escape, allowing me to articulate what I couldn’t say aloud. My pen has always been my voice, especially since I'm often lost in my thoughts. This inspired me to channel my emotions through drawings, journaling, short stories, ultimately leading me to write poetry. I began to blend two contrasting worlds, merging them into one to convey what I was experiencing.
Q: In your poem, "Smile, Black Girl", you highlight the weight and struggles faced by Black women. How do you see this pressure affecting the personal dreams and ambitions of Black women in society today?
A: In my poem, "Smile, Black Girl," I aim to shed light on the multifaceted pressures that Black women face, pressures that often stem from societal expectations, systemic racism, and cultural stereotypes. These pressures can have profound effects on the personal dreams and ambitions of Black women in several ways.
Firstly, the constant need to prove oneself in environments that may not fully appreciate or recognize their talents can lead to feelings of exhaustion and burnout. Black women often feel the pressure to outperform simply to be seen as equals, which can drain energy that could otherwise be channeled into pursuing personal passions and ambitions.
Secondly, the societal expectation to conform to certain roles and behaviors can stifle creative and professional aspirations. For instance, the stereotype of the "strong Black woman" can be both a source of pride and a burden, as it may discourage expressing vulnerability or seeking help, which are crucial for personal development and achieving one's goals.
Additionally, systemic barriers such as racial discrimination in education and the workplace can limit opportunities for Black women. These barriers can create a sense of disillusionment and frustration, making it more challenging to stay motivated and pursue long-term ambitions.
However, it's important to recognize the resilience and strength of Black women, who continue to break barriers and achieve remarkable success despite these challenges.
Q: The line "Smile, black girl, praise God, black girl" in your poem emphasizes societal expectations. How do you navigate the balance between external expectations and your own emotional needs?
A: The line "Smile, black girl, praise God, black girl" does highlight the societal pressures placed on us. It speaks volumes about the expectations to maintain a facade of strength and faith, even when we’re struggling internally. Navigating the balance between these external expectations and our personal emotional needs is undoubtedly challenging.
In many black communities, there's a strong cultural emphasis on religion as a means of coping. While faith can be incredibly powerful and comforting, it’s essential to recognize that it’s okay to seek additional help beyond prayer. Therapy, support groups, and open conversations about mental health are all valuable resources that can complement our spiritual practices.
For me, it’s about acknowledging my feelings and giving myself permission to seek the help I need. It’s okay to not have all the answers and to prioritize our own well-being. Balancing those external pressures with our internal needs is a continuous journey, but it starts with recognizing that our emotional health is just as important as our faith.
Q: In both your poem and on social media, you emphasize authenticity and self-reflection. How does the pressure to present a certain image on social media conflict with your desire to be authentic and transparent?
A: The tension between authenticity and the curated nature of social media is something I think a lot of us wrestle with, whether we realize it or not. On one hand, there's this pressure to present a polished, idealized version of ourselves that fits neatly into the highlight reels we often see online. This can be incredibly exhausting and can sometimes feel like we're losing touch with who we really are.
On the flip side, I deeply value authenticity and self-reflection, which means being honest about our highs and lows, our true feelings, and our real experiences. It’s about embracing our imperfections and sharing our genuine selves, not just the filtered moments. The conflict arises because social media often rewards the glossy, picture-perfect posts, making it harder to stay true to our authentic selves without feeling like we’re falling behind or missing out.
Navigating this space requires a conscious effort to prioritize authenticity over image. It means being okay with vulnerability, even if it doesn't get as many likes or shares. Ultimately, the goal is to create a balance where we can use social media as a tool for connection and expression, without letting it dictate who we are or how we feel about ourselves.
Q: You mentioned that social media has fostered envy and a lack of originality. How do you personally resist the urge to conform to the “curated lifestyle” portrayed on platforms like Instagram?
A: Personally, I find that grounding myself in my own values and interests helps me resist the urge to conform to the "curated lifestyle" often portrayed on social media platforms like Instagram.
One of the key things I do is regularly remind myself that social media is often a highlight reel, not a true reflection of everyday life. By focusing on my own journey and what genuinely makes me happy, I’m able to stay true to myself. I also make it a point to post content that I find cool or personally meaningful. This not only keeps my social media presence authentic but also makes the whole experience much more enjoyable and less stressful.
By celebrating my own uniqueness and staying connected to my real-world relationships and passions, I can better appreciate the curated content for what it is—entertainment and inspiration, rather than a blueprint for my own life.
Q: You talk about the power of voice rising despite wounds in your poem. In what ways has writing helped you heal or process the struggles you’ve faced, and how do you hope your words impact others?
A: Writing has always been my sanctuary, a place where I can pour out my raw emotions and turn them into something tangible. It's through this process that I find healing, as each word penned down helps me process and make sense of the struggles I’ve faced. I hope that when others read my words, they feel a sense of connection and understanding. I want my writing to be a source of healing, to make others feel seen and validated in their own experiences. Whether it brings peace, joy, comfort, or even a little laugh, I hope my words can help guide them through the ups and downs of life.
Q: What are your future goals or aspirations as a poet?
A: As a poet, my aspirations are deeply rooted in the desire to connect with others on a profound level. I want to continue exploring the vast landscape of human emotions and experiences, capturing them in a way that resonates with readers. My goal is to publish a collection of poems that not only reflect my personal journey but also offer solace, inspiration, and a sense of shared humanity. Additionally, I aim to participate in more poetry readings and workshops, fostering a community where voices are heard and creativity is celebrated. Ultimately, I hope my words can spark meaningful conversations and encourage others to find their own poetic voice.
Q: What advice would you give to emerging poets who are trying to establish their presence in the poetry world?
A: I never intended on sharing my poetry, so it's kind of crazy to answer this question! But if I had to give advice toemerging poets trying to establish their presence in the poetry world, I'd say: take a chance. Don't be afraid to put your work out there, even if it feels vulnerable. Share your poems online, submit them to literary magazines, and participate in local poetry readings. Connect with other poets and readers who can offer support and feedback. Most importantly, stay true to your unique voice and perspective. The poetry world needs your individuality and passion, so take a chance and let your words be heard.
What makes Ferguson’s poetry so powerful is her ability to voice these internal struggles while simultaneously celebrating the resilience of Black women. She acknowledges the weight of societal pressure, yet her poetry doesn’t wallow in despair. Instead, it seeks to uplift, offering a sense of solidarity to those who feel burdened by these pressures. The line "Smile, black girl, praise God, black girl" is both a reflection of the expectations placed on Black women and a reminder that it's okay to seek help beyond faith and strength alone. Ferguson advocates for balance, encouraging Black women to embrace therapy, support systems, and open conversations about mental health as acts of self-care and self-preservation.
Ferguson's poetry is a testament to the healing power of words, drawing from personal experience and cultural heritage to foster connection and authenticity. By embracing vulnerability, she not only reclaims her voice but also offers a space for others to do the same. Her work challenges us to face our truths with courage and honesty, reminding emerging poets and readers alike that there is strength in sharing our stories. Ultimately, her words inspire us to find healing and empowerment through creative expression, fostering a sense of community in the process.
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Lukumi Arlota – Contributing Writer
Lukumi Arlota is a mental health advocate, black empowerment activist, public speaker, and business owner.
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